The toll aging takes on our bodies is not restricted to just visible areas like the face and hands. The vagina can also change over time, due to childbirth and other factors that lead to stretching of the vaginal walls and loss of muscle tone. This can impact you functionally as well as cosmetically, as you may notice vaginal irritation, loss of sexual satisfaction and urinary incontinence. At the same time, the cosmetic changes to the vagina can make you self-conscious during intimacy, negatively affecting your relationship with your partner. Today,
Vaginal Rejuvenation is available through a non-surgical treatment now performed by
Dr. Lively. This procedure uses laser energy to tighten up the vagina, reversing those changes and relieving the uncomfortable symptoms that often accompany them.
What is Vaginal Rejuvenation Laser Treatment?
Vaginal Rejuvenation laser treatment addresses the changes that can occur to the vagina as a result of childbirth, hormone fluctuations and age, without anesthesia or a recovery period afterward. A laser device delivers laser energy directly into the vagina, which stimulates collagen and elastin production to tighten the area and restore the vagina to a more youthful state once again. The procedure offers long-lasting results, as the body’s processes kick in to maintain the healthier condition of the vagina.
Laser devices to treat vaginal atrophy were approved for use in the U.S. about three years ago, but the use of lasers for cosmetic purposes has been around much longer than that. Laser rejuvenation of skin and tissue is both safe and effective, due to the laser’s ability to generate collagen and elastin production in the deeper dermal structure. Now, the technology is showing advantages in vaginal rejuvenation as well.
What are the benefits?
Vaginal laser treatment may offer the following benefits:
- Tightening of the vagina for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance
- Increased sensation and pleasure during intercourse
- Relief from vaginal irritation and pain
- Improvement in minor stress urinary incontinence
Some women will achieve these benefits after a single laser treatment, while others may opt to have a series of treatments to obtain full results.
Who is a good candidate for the procedure?
This procedure works well for women with mild to moderate vaginal atrophy that do not want to resort to surgery. The treatment is appropriate for women of any age, and can even be performed in between pregnancies for women that experience significant laxity after childbirth. However, it is important to note that the results of laser rejuvenation may be altered through the delivery of another child, and the procedure will need to be repeated to restore the vagina’s youthful condition.
Does Vaginal Laser Treatment hurt?
Vaginal Rejunevation laser treatment is not a painful procedure and does not require the use of any anesthesia or topical anesthetic. The device used to administer the laser is similar in size and shape to the speculum used during a pap smear. Patients feel a warming sensation in the vaginal area as the laser energy is delivered, which should not be uncomfortable. There is also no pain after treatment, and you should be able to return to your regular activities right away.
What is the procedure like?
Vaginal laser treatment is a quick treatment that takes about 30 minutes to complete. You should feel little if any discomfort as the laser energy is delivered in small bursts throughout the vagina to produce even results. The pulses will constrict the tissue while stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, for both short-term and long-term results.
Is there a recovery period?
No recovery is necessary after vaginal laser treatment, which means you can return to work and other activities immediately following your treatment. In fact, many of our patients schedule this procedure during their lunch hours without a problem. There is no pain afterward to interfere with your routine. Dr. Lively will advise you to refrain from intercourse for 24-72 hours after your treatment, but this should be the only restriction you need to follow.
What should I expect from my results?
Some positive results may be seen directly after your laser treatment, but your full results will develop in the weeks following. You will notice an improvement in symptoms like vaginal irritation, dryness and urinary incontinence. You and your partner may also find that sex is more enjoyable as the vagina becomes tighter. Most patients will achieve full results within about four weeks. While you may be satisfied with the results of a single laser treatment, the best outcome is seen after three treatment sessions, spaced about four weeks apart. Those improvements could last 2-3 years before a touch-up procedure is required. Some benefits may even be permanent after that first series of treatment sessions. Vaginal atrophy is not something you simply have to accept as part of the aging process. There are treatments available to reverse the laxity of the vaginal walls and restore youthful firmness to the genital area. To learn more about vaginal laser treatment,
contact Dr. Lively’s office at 432-580-9168 to schedule your personal consultation.